News
Nigerians in Diaspora Commend NUPRC Boss Gbenga Komolafe for Leadership Award and Doctorate
The Nigerians in Diaspora Assembly (NiDA) in London has commended Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), following his recent dual honours: a professional doctorate in Leadership (Energy Law) from the International Business School of Scandinavia, and the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference 2025, held at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.
In a statement on Saturday, NiDA London President Dr Sani Abubakar and Secretary Mrs. Chioma Okorafor lauded Komolafe for elevating Nigeria’s profile on the international stage.
“These recognitions reflect the calibre of leadership and innovation that Nigerians can bring to global governance. Engineer Komolafe’s achievements demonstrate that merit, integrity, and hard work are respected worldwide, and they reinforce Nigeria’s reputation as a nation of competent professionals,” the statement reads.
The diaspora group highlighted Komolafe’s transformative leadership at NUPRC, particularly in steering reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and advancing indigenous participation.
“His tenure has brought measurable progress in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, from a surge in active rig counts to substantial fiscal surpluses. The Host Community Development Trust has exceeded N350 billion, funding projects that restore peace and provide tangible benefits to local communities. These results show that responsible leadership drives both economic growth and social development,” the statement added.
NiDA London also emphasized the symbolic importance of Komolafe’s awards for all Nigerians living abroad.
“Engineer Komolafe’s dual honours serve as an inspiration to Nigerians worldwide. They send a powerful message that our citizens, irrespective of religion or region, can gain global recognition when they pursue excellence, uphold transparency, and commit to ethical governance,” the group said.
The statement further noted that the accolades reinforce Nigeria’s emerging status as a credible and attractive destination for energy investment.
“By combining regulatory rigor with strategic foresight, Komolafe has positioned Nigeria as a transparent and competitive hub for upstream investment. His work underscores the potential of African leadership to shape global energy discourse, and it encourages young Nigerians to aspire to similar standards of professionalism and impact,” the NiDA London officials said.
Since assuming office, Komolafe has overseen a dramatic expansion in Nigeria’s upstream sector. Active rig counts grew from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025, a growth exceeding 760 percent. Revenue performance has consistently surpassed government projections, with surpluses of 18.3 percent in 2022, 14.6 percent in 2023, and 84.2 percent in 2024.
The Host Community Development Trust has channelled billions into infrastructure and social programmes, strengthening relations between oil companies and local populations while aligning with international best practices.
NiDA London urged the Nigerian government to continue supporting visionary leaders like Komolafe and called on the diaspora to recognise and celebrate achievements that reflect the country’s global potential.
“As Nigerians living abroad, we are proud to see one of our own recognised on such a prestigious platform. We encourage all citizens to uphold standards of integrity and professionalism that ensure Nigeria remains a respected player in international development and energy sectors,” they admonished.
News
Federal fire service decorates 130 officers in Kano
The Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has decorated 130 officers recently promoted to various ranks in a ceremony held in Kano.
The Command’s Controller in the state, Kazeem Sholadoye disclosed this in a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin on Wednesday in Kano.
Congratulating the officers, the state controller described their promotion as well deserved and a call to greater responsibility and professionalism.
Sholadoye charged the officers to see their new ranks as an opportunity to demonstrate increased commitment to protection of lives and property.
He reminded them that promotion comes with higher expectations in service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Deputy Superintendent of Fire in the command, DSF Abdullahi Muhammad expressed appreciation to the management for organising what he described as a befitting ceremony.
He reiterated the readiness of the officers to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold core values of the Federal Fire Service.
News
Tinubu salutes Bisi Akande’s national legacy at 87
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes to Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman and former APC national chairman, as he marked his 87th birthday.
Tinubu said this in a special tribute on Thursday to celebrate Akande’s life of service and democratic commitment.
He described Akande as a towering figure who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and democratic institutionalisation.
The President said Akande’s political journey was shaped by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive ideology and commitment to public service.
Akande began his career as an accountant with British Petroleum before leaving the private sector for public service.
He served as Secretary to the State Government in old Oyo State in 1979 and later became Deputy Governor during the Second Republic.
Tinubu noted that Akande later served as Governor of Osun from 1999 to 2003, where he further distinguished himself.
As interim chairman of the APC, Akande laid the foundation for the party’s historic victory in 2015, Tinubu said.
The President praised Akande’s leadership, integrity, industry and sacrifices for the party and the nation.
He described Akande as a mentor whose guidance, advice and encouragement shaped his political journey.
Tinubu said Akande’s continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda remains invaluable.
He noted that, even at 87, Akande remained a firm advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance.
The President prayed for Akande’s good health and renewed strength as he marked the milestone birthday.
News
Lawal presents certificates to 50 Crescent varsity graduates 9 years after graduation
Gov Dauda Lawal, on Thursday presented certificates to 50 former students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun, nine years after their graduation.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara.
The presentation took place at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.
According to Idris, the former students, who were on the state government’s scholarship, graduated nine years ago, but could not receive their certificates due to the state government’s failure to settle their outstanding tuition fees owed the institution.
“The former students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.
“The Crescent University declined to release the students’ results due to the non payment of their outstanding tuition fees.
“The state government, under Gov. Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.
“Among the 50 students, is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders,” he said.
While presenting the certificates to the graduates, Lawal restated his commitment to revamping the educational sector.
Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to prioritise education to enhance the even development of the state.
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